Some context on Tiger

Mike, I agree that the Tiger story needs to be taken in context. The emotionalism projected on Tiger appears directly attributable to persons the writers/readers could not cuss, hurt or harm. Many married women are super sensitive at infidelity because it is a reminder/flash point of their own lives. They stayed in marriages less financially rewarding because of need - but want to villify Tiger because of his wealth and spread Elin's face in humiliation because she has a financial option. Pragmatically, Elin said she wants her relationship to work, so encouraging some time, counseling and support seems the ticket. But no, we want to justify tabloids paying less honorable women to come forward, provide "details" of a relationship and with proof earn up to $100K. That is a powerful incentive to embarrass oneself - if you have nothing to lose. So now we have tears, he lied to me! You knew he was married, you lied to yourself - and now we are to think everything you say is true! This fiasco tells us who we have become as a nation, people enjoying others pain during economic crises rather than facing our own! Tiger has to face himself in the mirror without kicking himself. That is the worse comeuppence one can get - "I did this to myself!" Mike is right, others escaped such exposure because at the time our country still espoused right to privacy in ways that we don't now, with reality TV and a perceived right to tell people "we promote" how to live their lives. When we all face the facts, we can get pass this and I hope we feel some compunction at what we have done to Tiger. The only story here is Tiger was not faithful - the numbers tell the same story. Our desire to ridicule with salacious detail says more about us than Tiger - who naively thought his communications were quiet. Hence Tiger's achilles heel is his lack of understanding human nature - perhaps that is why he was so closed off from the public before - he just doesn't get the reward for productive interpersonal relations. He was too busy being reared to ignore people and get the ball in the hole - ironic how that same training is what has let him down now - how to respond to the needs of others!

You heard it asked here first. Tiger Woods is as good at golfing as Michael Jackson was at making beautiful music. I am actually frightened at the parallels I see here. Could it be that Tiger is another Michael in the making? Is Tiger Woods a second coming of Michael Jackson? Tiger’s running into the tree, I see, as symbolic of the row of privacy and protective hedges being hewn down. The fire hydrant represents an opening of the valve of truth. Privacy will now be a thing of the past for Tiger, and his every move will be the subject of the closest scrutiny. Does he have the mental toughness to stand up to what’s sure to come? If he doesn’t have what it takes, then what he did in the darkness of that fateful night will be seen in the light of day, as there will be repeat performances. Half of the on-lookers, who will be at his games in the future, will be looking at him with disgust, anger, hatred and disappointment. The result will be less steady hands and more and more of those sure shot putts will now be misses. Subsequently, tournament wins and records will be much more difficult to come by.

There may well be a tiger inside of Tiger, which he can’t control. We never knew of this, but the occasional outburst on the golf courses just may have been the tip of the hidden tiger’s claws. We didn’t want to see any further, even though we heard what seemed to be growls forming just below the surface.

Tiger’s inability to handle a simple accident suggests that he, if he needs counseling, wouldn’t seek it. He would live in denial until he reaches the bottom of the barrel as we have seen other icons do. Whatever he is abusing, drugs, alcohol or both, will continue to be his comfort of choice. I suspect that he was under the influence of something(s). That’s why he was not cooperative with authorities. The last thing Tiger would want, would be to hear himself referred to as just another jock thug. His reputation and house of millions are collapsing around his ears and for this reason Tiger might well be considering doing intentional-unintentional harm to himself. If there is anyone in his entourage, who has wisdom enough to be of aid to him, there is no evidence of it to this point. And that’s sad.

To add to the speculation, I don’t believe that it was his wife, who went after him with a golf club. My clouded observation suggests to me that that was the work of a very, very angry Mother-in-Law.

joe montana famously left his wife and first family to be with his shaving commercial co star and start a second family. donald trump knocked up marla while married to ivana. mayor rudy carried on his affair with staffer judith while married to wife 2 donna. jack welch of ge went through 3 marriages-each one younger. larry king is on number 6. all of these people are judged for their professional competence not their marital role modeling. tiger should not be judged any more harshly than reagan, gingrich-who served his first wife divorce papers while she was in hospital, mccain or even the all american hero john wayne who helped reagain protect the beaches of california while gable, jimmy stewart and numberous other actors actually saw combat.

Mr. Wilbon, Re: "Virtue in sports is whether you can hit a jumper as time expires in the playoffs, or hit 50 home runs in a season or sink a putt on the 72nd hole to win The Masters." OK, maybe this is true for some people. But not all.

It wasn't fun when I attended a baseball game in the nation's capital, and Barry Bonds stepped to the plate...and rumbling boo-ing shook the stadium. I didn't participate because I don't believe in public derision. But what does that massive wave of audible disappointment tell you? Maybe, fans wanted the one they had so admired to have earned his spot in the record books on the up-and-up? Or even more, that he had apologizied to fans for his deceit when the steroid use was discovered, instead of basically saying, "xxxx" you? The greater they are, the harder they fall.

On the other hand, it was fun when I watched Cal Ripken, Jr.'s streak-breaking game and the thunderous applause and ovation that came with it. It was fun when I went to Cooperstown and saw Tony Gwynn being loved and appreciated for his amazing talent and dedication. It is nothing short of amazing to read about the grace-filled way Jackie Robinson handled himself under enormous pressure. While I know nothing of the personal lives of any of these athletes, I do know that virtue runs deeper in the minds of sports fans than just the numbers. Call me naive, but...

Though not a steady reader of your column due to time constraints, I think you're a talented writer and thinker. However, I agree with others who say your comments are pretty disappointing. 1) "Boys will be boys?" Don't you respect your own gender more than that? Many wrongs don't make a right, or a foregone conclusion. 2) If no one had been surprised at Tiger's behavior, we might have been blasted for "stereotyping" men, etc. 3) You "don't particularly care" if Tiger has learned a lesson? Maybe he DOES care, as do many of your readers. 4)Quoting Tiger, "...problems within a family shouldn't have to mean public confessions." This problem is not "within" the family. This behavior affects many others in addition to Elin, Sam, Charlie, Tiger's mother and in-laws...what about the 7-13 women allegedly involved? Those "dirty girls," who also happen to be human beings who make mistakes? What about the thousands or millions of children and adults who believed that Tiger was an example of supreme self-mastery and someone for whom, in his own words, "family always comes first?"

Mr. Wilbon, I am not vilifying or judging Mr. Woods or you. Just requesting that you expect a little more of all of us -- the athletes you cover, and us "regular Janes" out here.

Like many here, I value privacy for myself and others. But some of us, by reaping the advantages of the big-time spotlight through athletic prowess and corporate endorsements, tacitly "agree" to give that up.

Why is anyone surprised when the public is curious about the private life/transgressions of someone we "follow" -- someone who performs at such a high level professionally, no matter the arena? We wonder what makes that person tick. Also, we probably feel we've seen an aspect of that person we can relate to: in this case, most of us can't relate to being one of the best athletes in the world.

I disagree with those who insist that these kinds of matters affect no one but the principal and his/her family. This just isn't true. Everyone's behavior influences others' behavior, in some way. Others' choices can inspire or motivate us. Or they can discourage us into the perception that honesty and loyalty are rare or non-existent. This latter is not a good thing...especially for children and adolescents.

I also disagree with posters who comment that those interested in the personal actions of public figures need to "get a life of their own" or are just prurient. Most of us "have lives" and have made certain behavior choices that we regret...and when we hear of others' mistakes -- especially those we think "have it all" -- we reflect on our own character, and wonder what it is about any of us that would drive us to be reckless, inflict pain on loved ones, risk deeply hurting our families. Is it boredom? Arrogance? Entitlement? Past deprivation or lack of experience that causes us to chase all we can get? If yes to any of the above, how do we address our needs constructively rather than dropping bombshells into others' lives?

To say that the actions of those we don't know have no effect on us is...silly. If this were true, what would be the value in learning about history? Reading about political, sports, scientific, philanthropic, and other figures?

For good or ill, I now feel I "know" Tiger Woods better than I did before. He's a brilliant golfer. He's also confused, and human. To this latter, I can relate...and to my own and others' betterment, we can ponder and "course correct" feelings and choices many of us share.

Let's face it: We affect each other.

I haven't heard anyone make this distinction between Tiger and the other host of philandering pros--Tiger's a golfer. In golf, unlike any other sport, character matters--there is no room for players who lie and cheat in a game that relies on individual integrity for its legitimacy. Forgetting the obvious puns about grounding one's club in a hazard or improving one's lie, what would Shivas Irons say?

Men will follow their peck places they normally would not tread with a loaded shotgun. Unfortunately men jump the fence. It is part biology, part psychology and part culture. I don't excuse nor condone Tiger's transgressions. But I understand them. I feel sorry for his wife and family being caught up in this situation that begs to be dealt with privately. This is one drive Tiger hooked badly.

"In Wilbons World" ,,,,,Exactly

tiger should read this: http://instapunk.com/

Tiger Woods has exploited his image to gain access to America's living room where he has engaged in a relentless sales pitch of cars, watches, sports drinks, sports apparel... Now a scandal and America's attention is focused on an unwilling Woods.Sorry Tiger but it's the price of the ticket. You sold your privacy to Nike, Chrysler, Gatorade and the rest.If you want privacy give up the endorsements and the televised tournaments and golf at public courses on the weekend like the rest of us.

Instead of wasting space writing a column on the arrogance in a decision of some meaningless head football coach going for it on fourth down, why don't you get some guts and write about the horrendous arrogance of a married man with two children cheating on his family? No guts, no Pulitzer, Michael.

Mike: Did you read the fool Haywood from the Wizzard's comment today about Tiger's wife. Yup it's her fault totally all she wanted was the money.
Gee Brendan Haywood seems to cry about how unfair the world is to him and how everybody treats him rotten. And now he's
making moral judgments about Elin Woods.
From my perspective, and I mean this, I hope Haywood gets undercut and suffers a Stingley type injury in his next game he has no feelings except for his own foolish idea of the world. The Wizzards will never get a dime of my money while he is here. Abe Polin would probably have ordered him cut for this sort of stupidity. Sad that the Wizzards have to keep somebody like him on the roster.

Did Nicklaus cheat on Barbara? Did Arnold Palmer cheat on his wife? Did Sampras cheat on Bridgitte? Did Federer cheat on Mirka? I don't think so. Wilbon - you are just PLAIN WRONG, dude. Do you believe a VOW of fidelity witnessed by all of your closest friends and associates is meaningless? I think you've lost your moral compass.

jeesh, Mike, what about Elin, who'll never meet another person who won't know her very public humiliation?

What about their child, who'll never know a bedrock truth of a steadfast dad who loves and protects his family first and foremost?

Does Tiger's sports "virtue" outweigh those virtues?

Are you seriously using Chris Rock as your moral arbitor? Really? If so, you're conveniently forgetting his more well-known quote about getting credit for things you're just supposed to do. Like be a good man and loving your wife and children more than your orgasm.

And with his "personal sins shouldn't be vetted in the public" Well, the sword cuts both ways doesn't it? He had no complaints about privacy when he signed those all those big contracts and made all the big endorsement deals.

What you seem to be saying is, the higher the celebrity profile, the lower the decency bar is. That seems really wrong to me.

Wilbon, you really dropped the ball here. Rather than write that we should strive to live to a high standard, you would have us live to low a standard because so many athletics have done so. Wow, we should all live in the gutter according to that philosophy.

Tiger has portrayed himself via his sponsors and ads in an entirely different way than his rather sordid private life. This disconnect makes it news and relevent that the public know the "real" person. He put himself in the public eye in commercials worldwide to make himself rich, but wants his privacy when his taudry private life is exposed. He should expect none and receive none.

DEAR GOD, YOU NEED TONY'S HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Come on Wilbon, Tiger’s transgression(s) were not a ‘mistake’ – Tiger had an ongoing ‘relationship’ with Rachel Uchitel for 3 years; let alone the other women. But I neither condone nor condemn Tiger’s behavior; the fallout and disintegration of his family is punishment enough. I would challenge you to look at the situation another way – what lessons did anyone (particularly the sports community) learn from Michael Jordan, his transgressions, and subsequent $150M divorce from his wife? I’m surprised Tiger didn’t heed that lesson from his buddy. And what does this say about beautiful women; I mean come on Elin Woods is amazing! As for Rachel Uchitel – I think you’re thinking the same thing – that’s a dirty dirty girl. If anything – this whole thing is a slow moving train wreck.

Golf is different. Look at how the game is played and look at the fabric its history. Tiger's behavior fits in nowhere in the game of golf. Don't you think the membership at Augusta is horrified? If Wade Boggs kept himself straight and focused, would he have batted .400?

Something tells me Tiger is smart enough to step out from his hidden cave and put everything out there for the fans to see. If he does it, and he's true to his word and seeks forgiveness from his wife and she feels comfortable enough to come back into the public eye in support of his game, most fans of golf will put him back where he was.

But before you think this is going to happen, Tiger needs to put the same blood, sweat and tears into his marriage and his family, as he did his golf game. He has a lifetime to commit to that. Its time he start that committment, come out in public and seek forgiveness. If he hides, that's okay too, but I don't think I'm unlike the average golfer. In keeping private, Tiger may indeed become the most disliked golfer in the game.

My hat is off to Tiger. Not because of his golfing or infidelity. He took his beat down like a man and did not send his wife to jail for domestic violence. He had it coming but with a NINE Iron, that is a bit much! This smacks of S&M. Who pays $80 million for beating? You can find a good Dominatrix for a lot less. Sad that he was so badly beaten and nothing was done about it. If someone is trying to kill you with a golf club it should be obvious that the honeymoon and the marriage are over. Seems like Tiger refuses to learn even when the facts are on the table. I am sure he will never look at a golf club without a flashback. His driving will suffer but maybe his putting will improve.

Once again, Mr. Wilbon hits the nail on the head. When will we Americans get past the greeting-card morality and realize that everyone makes mistakes. If you're worried about Tiger's (or any other sports star/celeb) private life, perhaps its time to examine your own - or lack thereof...
Now, let's back to watching Tiger play golf.
Go Tiger! Go Michael!

BTW, Wayne Gretsky has been married forever and has five kids. No affairs that anyone knows about. So there's one, at least.

I agree that all athletes, as humans, deserve a certain level of privacy. But I disagree that more should not be expected of them in their personal lives. They thrive on living in the public, and I never see them asking for privacy when we are praising their actions (even off-field) or showering praises their way. You have to be able to accept both sides of the coin, and they must be able to take the criticism. Tiger makes millions solely because he is an icon and public figure. For athletes it's almost as if we, as the public, are their stockholders. I'm not saying they should be perfect, but there should be a different standard for them and we shouldn't just shrug off Tiger's infidelity. He is looked up to whether he wants to be or not and he should act like a role model.

I am also not surprised, though disappointed by America's reaction (according to polls) that they're opinion of Tiger hasn't changed. America LIKES great athletes that seem like very nice people, but we LOVE the ruthless champion. We adore the MJ's and Tiger's, but I wouldn't mind seeing someone like Peyton Manning take Tiger's place in the sports fan's hearts. But I'm not holding my breath.

Jesper +1
Michael -1

I did not research each of these names but do not recall a marital scandal associated with them. (We are more likely to remember the prominent stories of infidelity.) I am not claiming perfection for any of these athletes. The burden, however, is on Mr. Wilbon - a prominent columnist with a prominent newspaper - to support his argument. Let me just provide some additional athletes who managed to be superstars and maintain their integrity. Missing dozens here - I invite others to contribute in refutation of this apologia - as I find Mr. Wilbon's generalization to be poor:

Jerry Rice
Emmitt Smith
Joe Montana
Walter Payton
Peyton Manning
Albert Pujols
Tony Gwynn
Troy Aikman
John Elway
Barry Sanders
Wayne Gretzky
Mario Lemieux
Jeff Gordon
Jimmie Johnson
David Robinson
John Stockton
Shaq
Ernie Banks
Willie Mays
Hank Aaron
Pete Sampras
and so forth...

First of all, I can't understand why we're judging that man as if we've never done anything wrong. I've done plenty wrong in the past and will do something wrong in the future. I'm not better than he is.

Second, Tiger does not owe me (or anyone other than Elin) an apology, he's not married to me (or anyone else).

Third, when will men/athletes learn that jumpoffs are crazy and there is a chance they could end up McNair'd.

Last, I'm sick of hearing about it!!!! And I'm about to scream about the media TELLING me that this is news and that I want to hear about it! No, really, I don't. Enough already.

As someone wrote the other day Tiger has been busy writing some checks.
I heard Eli gets a 7 figure sum and the cocktail waitress will get one million to keep quiet. I wondered why she flew to LA to see Gloria Allred. Now they had a news conference scheduled for today and then canceled it. Wonder why. Did Tiger buy their silence?
Meanwhile down in Fla. there was a golf tournament last weekend at 2:25 am. Here is the result.
The first annual Windemere Charity Golf Open to benefit young mothers at home with two young children while being cheated on by their tomcatting husbands opened last weekend.
Eli was in the Woods. She chose a 3 iron. She addressed the malfactor "**********".*
Then she swung a mighty blow and broke the club record for two windows. She was looking for a hole in one but made it in 2.
She tops the leader board. We understand a million dollars in now being paid to another young female not to appear at the tournament.
His(the malfactor) lie was behind a tree.
Golf pros all agree it has been a great tournament. Eli wins and stands alone atop the leader board.
12/3/2009 2:55:32 PM

What would you do with a half a billion and hot women wanting you every where you turn. At some point your gonna make a bad decision....

No, Mike. The moral of the story is:

DON'T GET MARRIED, GUYS!

In response to one comment that what Phelps did was illegal; what Tiger did was not.

Adultery actually is illegal in 23 states, although charges are rarely brought against the adulterer.

The bottom line is Tiger is like other famous men (and sometimes women) who comes to believe they are bigger than life and can do whatever they want to do. (Elliott Spitzer, the list goes on ad nauseum.) They think they can get away with such betrayal. They sell their souls to corporate America and then again to some stupid woman who has no morals.

It appears that Wilbon is giving Tiger a free pass on this one. That's what the media does and it's a shame.

As a society, we have come to accept infidelity as a victimless crime, but there are many victims of such betrayal. Our divorce courts are bulging with the victims of this indignity, which has wrought havoc on American families.

I feel sorry for Elin and her children. Although I'm not an advocate of violence, I do understand her frustration with taking a golf swing at him. He deserves far more than that. The man has a beautiful wife, gorgeous children, a successful career and he risks it for a romp in bed! Now, that is simply mindless behavior!

I hope Elin remembers that "once a cheater, always a cheater" - when you cross the line of trust once, it's easier to cross it again. I hope she gets out while she is young enough to find a good, loyal man - something Tiger has proven he is not!

She and her children deserve better! Maybe if she gets half of his wealth, he finally will feel the pain and may learn the valuable lesson of integrity. Now, that would be a lesson his dad would be proud of!

I'm still confused... Wasn't it the public's business when that young fan who got run over by Glen Davis last season had a "terrible father," as declared by Wilbon on national television?

Oh yes, at least until Wilbon called up the dad and socialized with him. Much like anyone in Wilbon's social circle is immune from any criticism.

"Phelps broke the law. Tiger didn't."

I digress, infiedelity IS a crime in many states.....

Wilbon apologizes yet again for Tiger...pathetic.....

I rest my case.

Hessone: I got a translator. I agree.
Долгосрочной службы Leonsis

Бойкот Снайдер - Релиз Серрато - Релиз Донован!

I just got here. Wilbons piece seems reasonable given his relationship with woods. That same relationship has allowed him to offer other opinions over the years that may have been unavailable. Why is the schmetterling guy going so crazy? Is Elin his sister?

Mike,

Used to enjoy your articles, but you seem to have lost it since going "world-wide". Now you seem to be another talking head concerned more with headlines than content. On a side note, another name besides Jackie Robinson could have come from our own back yard. Cal Ripken, Jr.

Mr. Wilbon,

I think you're (conveniently) forgotting there are two sides to this Media coin.

On the one hand, Tiger wants his privacy when it comes to a family matter and a personal trangression. This request would carry at lot more weight if he wasn't simultaneously asking the same public for his trust and word in every one of his endorsements and TV ads where he's hawking something or pitching something else.

The media is the media. It is a venue, not a tool, not left in the hands of individual operators. If you wade into the venue, you can expect both the best and worst of you to be viewed, analyzed and distorted.

Likewise, people in Tiger's position cannot use the media how they want to, one second, and cry foul the next.

If Tiger truly wants privacy, may I suggest he go back in that compound, cut off all the endorsement deals, play golf and shut himself on up. If he wants to keep his millions flowing, then he can equally shut up and take it.

Овечкин - великий 8

I thought the most self serving line in all of this had to have been uttered not by Tiger but rather ESPN news today.

Reporting on the matter they nonetheless concluded that the pro golf schedule will be supportive here .. nothing scheduled till Spring by which time Tiger should be roaring again.

Simply amazing stuff out of ESPN these day. Glad they have their priorities straight.

Really, people! The only problem is within each of us: we want our sports figures, our public figures, SOMEONE ELSE, to be larger than life and perfect. How irrational! And how small! Are our own lives so meaningless that we have to live/be validated through someone else's life -- and then yell to high heaven when that person turns out to be fully human?!!! There is no justification, in my view, of ANYONE other than Elin and Charlie and Sam (and Tiger) being concerned about alleged infidelities. It's THEIR lives, not yours, not mine!

Comment on: Woods takes blame for crash, declines to meet with police at 11/29/2009 9:30 PM EST
MARK MY WORDS! WILBON WILL BE WRITING A STORY ON TIGER AND WILL DEFEND HIM.

I knew Wilbon wouldn't let us down. The only thing I'll give him credit for is not using race as part of his defense of Wood's. If it were Lefty I bet it would be a different tone to this article.

Wildon wrote: "I do believe he was sincere when he said this morning in a statement"....

Like Tiger wrote that press release?! C'mon, Mike.

I don't care if he did or didn't have an affair although I do get some bit of morbid satisfaction watching all these house fraus feign shock as if Tiger is some kind of saint or that infedelity actually happens in this and age. In reality they all know that it's taking place at their house or their neighbors house and they damn well gossip about that between PTA meetings and swim lessons. The hypocricy is quite entertaining.

Tiger will eventually or maybe quickly regain the trust of the public, but he will never regain the trust of Elin.

As usual on the Internets, caps lock tries to block thoughtful ideas.

I think TW is going through what %99 of high profile athletes are going through. You are everywhere and you have a lot of money, and you are well known, and you have women (or men who knows) willing to throw theirselves at you. TW just happens to be the most famous one that is currently competing in the states. I think it would be naive of us to think there was NO incidences where sudden lines were crossed that involved TW. And now I guess we know there could be MORE progressions that surface in the future. I am not sure what to make of it, and I am sure Tiger Woods is going to have to make amends and it will take time. Not passing judgement on TW. Too Much money, Too much fame, Too many women that want a piece. Good luck TW

As for Wilbon, don't know why you cited these other athletes that went through similar situations. It almost sounded like you were trying to make a positive note here. Come on, if that voice mail is true, TW was trying to conceal it as best as possible. How can there be anything positive out of that and to list names of famous athletes... wow... Mr. Wilbon, I will not be watching PTI any more. You bash TOO MANY people but to set double standard on your boy TW. That is wrong.

But, if you did write about why athletes with money and fame should reconsider marriage at all, and how much the divorce was gonna cost (once again if it should happen), I might read it. Come on, stop trying to make a positive note on what TW has done. Once again, that is just NOT RIGHT...

Wow. I knew there was something bout Wilbon that I didn't like but this is way too much. TW made a mistake. To come out and say you don't care when there was no evidence yesterday, and then to write this after the evidences today. It shows your true color. and yes, Jordan was Infamous. You know what you should be writing about instead? Why in the world did Tiger woods married in the first place and how much is this divorce (should it happen) gonna cost him. $500 Mil? Wilbon, you can't show bias like this and expect people to read your stuff or pay attention to anything you do with any credibility. This is wrong...

Mike,

This is one of the most inspirational and uplifting encouragements you could ever give to Tiger. I'm sure after receiving all of this outpouring of affection and gentle stroking, it will strengthen your already growing friendship.

You know, there is one one thing you said about Tiger is true. This is not in any way going to derail his career, because he is a champion. When he goes out on the golf course, he does not care what anyone thinks of him, nor what anyone says about him. He simply does his job with remarkable skill and consistency.

If only you could do the same. Instead of taking the risks inherent with the profession of journalism, you consistently bash athletes who are easy targets (like Phelps) and predictably coddle your home-boys like Woods and Barkley. This is regrettable, because you are in your field a remarkably skilled writer. Yet, greatness eludes you because you are not willing to take any risks, particularly within your own community.

I wonder what Tiger thinks about you? Do you think he so grateful to have a man at the Washington Post to "cover his back?" Deep down, someone like Tiger, who does take risks, who does go for the jugular every time, cannot really respect someone who does not take their own profession seriously. While he may appear to enjoy your company and your encouraging words, he is, just as we are, perhaps somewhat disappointed in what a pathetic, sycophantic suck up you appear to be.

"Tiger went on to write a sentence that will probably be lost in the noise.... 'Personal sins should not require press releases and problems within a family shouldn't have to mean public confessions.'"

You write about not caring about Tiger, that he's some typical athlete, yet every popular athlete thinks they can spew some sort of "wisdom" or "intellectual superiority" when they screw up in life.

And you, long with others, take notice of it as gospel (and agreeing) by pointing out his attempt, since you obviously conclude he's more than the typical "athlete".

We live in the world of money & hypocrisy and you just exposed it. Tiger is just a exceptional golfer, and that's it, though he and his keepers (Nike, Buick, Accenture, etc...) thinks otherwise. Too bad most sportwriters aren't pointing that out, but instead reflecting on his so called "reflection/wisdom".

In this world of corporate access, freedom, greed, popularity, technology and drugs, every athlete has a asterisk by their name since the public pays for entertainment and sportsmanship: meaning they're celebrated as role models. Sure Ruth to Bird, breaking the "rules" has been around forever, but in the last 10 years, the "game" has changed.

Just wanted to point out that Wilbon is a columnist, and therefore paid to share his opinions and not to be objective.

I understand your approach of "you not caring" about what athletes do outside of sport, but when you take Phelps to task like this, I don't see why you are so forgiving and even deflecting on what Woods has done.

Posted by: repadill |

-------------------------

Phelps broke the law. Tiger didn't. We can argue all day about whether pot laws are stupid, and I think they are. But unless you want to argue that philandering should suddenly be illegal, and I doubt you would, it's apples and oranges.

I totally agree with Wilbon except I'm not keeping score. I truly do not care who these guys have sex with.

It seems to me you taint Jack Nicklaus by your omission. Maybe their comparison just changed a wee bit. And Arnie, too. Posted by: Carlpaguy | December 2, 2009 4:07 PM
Report Offensive Comment

you beat me to the punch Carlpaguy - this is exactly (except for lefty who was not on my list) what i was going to say.

The point Wilbon was making about the BEST OF ERA - all being unfaithful - except Jackie Robinson probably needed to be researched a lot better. For example, Many Americans would never of heard of Sir Donald Bradman - the Babe Ruth of Cricket who's career batting average was 99.96 runs per each AT BAT are still twice as good as his contemporaries average's that are in the 50.00 range - the DON was no such transgressor and also in the BEST OF ERA category

A man's status cannot be used as an excuse. it's about choice

A famous man once said "Lead us not into temptation" maybe this will resonante a little more with Tiger these days

It's none of anybody's business (except for Tiger and his family) ours is not to pass judgement

However, poor journalism should not be tolerated - I AM APPAULED THAT THE BEST OF ERA "LIST" ONLY INCLUDED ROBINSON - do your homework WILBON

SCHMETTERLINGTOO:

We have unpublished comments that don't meet our rules, as outlined here:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/liveonline/delphi/delphirules.htm

You are free to criticize Mike and other public figures if they meet those rules.

I'd suggest not using allcaps, but that's not technically against our rules. :)

Thanks for participating -- we are happy you want to talk about this issue.

Jon DeNunzio
Sports Dept., Washington Post

Back in February you said, "Michael Phelps, of his own free will, decided to trade on his image to the tune of $100 million or so, an image that surely doesn't include drunk driving and getting high. This isn't fine print; it's in big block letters: DON'T SCREW UP!" and they you said, "It doesn't matter that "everybody else is doing it," because my bet is that everybody else smoking pot at that student party at the University of South Carolina doesn't have endorsement deals worth $100 million."

I understand your approach of "you not caring" about what athletes do outside of sport, but when you take Phelps to task like this, I don't see why you are so forgiving and even deflecting on what Woods has done. You are accepting of Tiger just doing what "everybody else is doing" but yet when Phelps did the same as 23 year old, you were much less forgiving. I understand one is illegal and one is not, but at the end of the day the BOTH affect your sponsors at their level.

I'm a big fan of yours and love PTI, never miss it. But you are looking very hypocritical in reading the differences between Phelps and Tiger. (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/02/03/AR2009020303468.html)

For every man with a hot wife/girlfriend, I'll show you someone who is misreable. What do you expect from these athletes. They are young, making lots of money, nobody challenges him on the golf course, so he looks for other challenges elsewhere. I'm sure a lot of people in his entourage knew about the affairs since he has security wherever he goes. Men cannot help themselves. It's in our nature. Don't throw stones at glass houses.

I don't like to agree with Chris Rock, because I'd like to think that we can be better people than that. But, then again, I don't have hot women falling all over me everywhere I go. Regardless, I don't think that I would ever cheat on my wife. I just can't imagine doing something like that to her.

That said, the question really is, how much does philandering affect your job performance? Does the constant covering up take time away from your work? In the case of famous politicians, it's pretty clear that it can distract from your job...at least once it becomes a big story. Same with guys in business who cheat...especially if they cheat with someone in the office.

For athletes, actors, musicians, etc. Not so much.

'A man is only as faithful as his options.'

Sigh. That is simply not accurate. Every reasonably attractive male for the past 40 years has had extramaritial "options." Many will have been quite attractive. It is a personal decision of fidelity and trust as well as a martial vow of "foresaking all others," that comes into play. Tiger chose the low road--the more traveled one--and disappoints.

Ted Williams didn't--just to add another name.

Wilbon, why do you slurp all these athletes so much. Is it because they will not invite you to some exclusive party or to play golf with. I used to like you, but you have lost all your credibility and have lost touch with the rest of us who do not own three or more homes. You only rip people who you don't like or can't do anything for you. You are so weak.

"Tiger went on to write a sentence..."

Now Mike, you and I both know Tiger didn't write anything in today's release - it was one of his PR lackies. Again, Tiger uses "power" to have someone do his dirty work, i.e., fess up, for him.

"Comedian Chris Rock undoubtedly put it best when he said, 'A man is only as faithful as his options.'"

False!!! Speak for yourself, Mr Wilbon. That just says something about you. I know plenty of faithful guys out there, and I dare say the faithful outnumber the unfaithful. Nobody writes stories about the faithful. And they do it because they choose to do it.

And this nonsensical notion that Tiger is taking responsibility for his actions is more utter garbage. At this point whatever Tiger says is merely to salvage himself, nothing more. Give me a break. If he wanted to take responsibility, he could have done that 3 days ago before the story broke.

Your low expectations of men may hold true in "Wilbon's World", but the real world is more diversified and responsible.

First, to be honest, I want to know what's up with stars cheating with low rent women. If he were hooking up with let's say the Princess of Monaco, well okay, he's still a jerk and put his wife's health at risk, but at least it'd make sense. But some club girl? Really? Lame. Same for Clinton and Kobe and so on. He's lucky he didn't end up like McNair (RIP).

Next, for every Tiger there is a Tony Parker or Tim Duncan who seem to be faithful guys. Think Kurt Warner or Joe Gibbs or Bret Favre ever stepped out? I think you successfully added Tiger to the list of Cads. Maybe we all need new role models.

Michael
I agree with your assessment but I also agree with your critics here. When you are friends with someone, you go easy on them. When you aren't, you're not. My wife asked me on Friday WWWS, and I called it then - he'll let Tiger off easy. Not to say I wouldn't do the same (I don't think its anyone else's business frankly), but the fact that I could easily predict your position, combined with how harsh you can be judging other sportsmans foibles (not only Phelps, you can be pretty unforgiving in your assessments of human stupidity), do call into question how impartial you are discussing issues with guys such as Tiger and Barkley who you are more than just news subjects to you.
Anyway, this is a small criticism, IMO you are one of the best sports analysts I'm aware of, so don't think I'm a hater.

It seems to me you taint Jack Nicklaus by your omission. Maybe their comparison just changed a wee bit. And Arnie, too. What ya got on Phil

I am disappointed in you MW, you are giving him a pass because he's contrite? about what? He (like all the rest) are only sorry when they are caught. and you cannot convince me otherwise. I hope he changes, he is young and can change if he wants to... But when you want/get the fame and the money, you will lose your privacy, that's the price YOU have to pay. There is no such thing as a private life for a superstar.

I think this article is spot-on. To me sports "heroes" are heroes only on the playing field. My only relationship to Tiger is what he does on the golf course, if he breaks Nichlaus' major record, sneads win record, etc. Anyone using emotional energy over the private lives of these people needs to find a life of their own to live.

Growing up my heroes were Ruth, Mantle, John Kennedy. I never heard about their specific peccadilloes, nor did I need to. All those around them, including journalists, knew what was going on. They chose not to report on that, I assume, because they considered it a private matter.

Tiger is just now entering true adulthood. He, like everyone else, will have to do the best he can and try to learn from his mistakes (Tiger!! Text messages???)

We don't get to know any of these people. Remember when OJ Simpson was considered bright, likeable, funny, etc? Seems that nobody knew what a scumbag he was.

This obsession with the personal lives of celebrities, along with the success of reality shows, surely must be a sign of the apocalypse.

Those reacting as if this somehow affects them need to go to lost & found and recover their lives.

Maybe we're all reading this wrong. If Tiger is as competitive as everyone makes him out to be, my guess is he took the number on Greg Norman's divorce settlement and tacked it up next to the famous list of Jack's majors that supposedly drives Tiger. Now he's looking at another record to break.

Meanwhile, Wilbon continues to raise the bar of pathetic journalism.

Wilbon is right. What fundamentally matters to us is how well someone performs. Virtue and value are functions of professional success, not moral character. Why do we care what Tiger does in his family context. Unless he does something illegal that forces us to imprison him (see Vick), what happens in the family/personal context shouldn't be of any concern to us.

I'll lay out the moral blame here as it should be allocated: Tiger comes out on top, and all of us should be put to shame. Tiger is defending privacy, which is an invaluable commodity that is quickly vanishing in the age of the internet and modern communications. The rest of us bash him for his infidelity, but that's of no relevance to us. That's between him, Elin, and his family. What we're destroying here is of much greater moral consequence, and of immediate relevacy to all of our lives, which is our own sense of privacy and personal dignity.

Basically, privacy affects us all. One person's infidelity affects those close to him. The privacy interest far outweighs our lurid interest in Tiger's affairs. The fact that we claim some sort of moral high ground in examining the details of Tiger's private life is preposterous. Bless Tiger for standing up against notions that public figures aren't entitled to personal privacy. Tiger's golf career is public, not his personal life.

I agree with the point made by JANES2 -- when the famous invite the public into their lives to the extent they now do, to include advertising, personal triumphs, and heartbreaking stories (recall Tiger's father), then the public expects to be part of it all. There is no private, whether folks like Mr. Wilbon like it or not. The famous, the media, and the public have, over time, constructed this system that comes with great rewards for some. That system, however, can impose serious costs when human frailty is exposed. In other words, live by the sword and die by the sword.

Woods will recover and make additional vast sums. He will win more tournaments. But he is now just another part of the great celebrity conglomeration. There's no going back for him, his wife, or his kids. Dance with the devil, indeed.

You're such a windbag, Wilbon. After reading your last two posts defending Tiger and comparing it to your tirade against Phelps, maybe we should start calling you "Michael X"? Go get a job with Tiger's PR team and stop peddling your dreck through the Post because I, along with many others here, are done with you.

hi mr. wilbon -

with apologies to william blake:

Tiger! Tiger! burning high,
In the tabloids, in the sky,
What mere floozy's hand or thigh
Could tempt thy moral symmetry?

In what Vegas hotel lies
The death of virtue in our eyes?
On what texts dare he conspire?
What of family? Or Elin's fire?

And what of drives, and what putt?
Could cause thy heart to close and shut?
And when the rumors began to beat,
What dread hand, and what dread feet?

What the Rachel? What the Jaimee?
Drag you to hell, so said Raimi.
What of Sam? What of Charlie?
Have you ever had a lie so gnarly?

When your star burned high (no fears),
We cheered you, laughing, with no tears,
Did we think you were not human?
Will this cause our joy to wan?

Tiger! Tiger! dreaming's done,
Falling, failings, weren't you the One?
What mere floozy's hand or thigh
Did break thy moral symmetry?

Wilbon - weren't you on these same pages RAILING OUT against Michael Phelps and calling for his sponsers to bail on him? So smoking a little weed is a horrific offense but cheating on your wife is cool?

Your bias is showing here, big time. In other words, if you know and like the guy, he gets a pass. But if someone like Michael Phelps steps out of line, then you'll actually give your honest opinion? How is that journalism? Me thinks you have gotten far to cozy with the subjects of your pieces and can no longer be objective

For cryin' out loud, can we leave George Washington's name out of this.

My of My don't we have a bunch of high minded folks here today. While Tiger is not perfect (to say the least) and I abhor his behavior, he has at least stood up and admitted it and taken responsibility for it in record time. I can think of a few who did not and caused themselves and the ones that they cared about much grief. I really hope Tiger makes it up to the people who are working his tournament and I bet he will.

The difference between the athletes of today and the athletes of yesteryear is that THEY are the ones who have marketed their image to make BILLIONS. They don't just play sports. They come into our homes and sell us cars, underwear, food, you name it. They try to make money off of establishing a marketeable relationship with us. I can't watch a tv show, have a laugh with my family, read an e-mail, buy a pair of shoes without Tiger's (or someone else's) image right there with me. They make tons of money doing it, manipulating both their image and the public to purchase their products ad naseum, and then they have the nerve to cry privacy when their own behavior hurts that image.

On the other hand, Nike is unvieling the new "Elin" home wedge.

@State82

No, you should not be indignant about their lack of integrity. Get over yourself. What does Tiger's cheating have to do with you that you would summon the word indignant to describe your emotions. Are you serious? You don't know Tiger I suppose, you've never met him in your life. I'm willing to bet you don't know Elin either. So why on Earth would you have so much "emotional capital" built into this? Good lord, worry about your own life and keep your sense of outrage about other people's lives to yourself. Don't people have enough going on in their own lives? Indignation.... I'm indignant over having to read your post.

MIke,

I've met you a couple of times and think you are a complete gentleman but Dude, what were you thinking?

Most people know you are tight with Tiger. You should have gone golfing for the day instead of writing this piece.

My my my... how self righteous some of us are. How about this one... Who has the time and who really cares? At the end of the day, and on the last, when we close our eyes we must all answer to the higher power we belive in if we belive at all. He who is without sin, cast the first stone. When you wake and when you go to sleep, as you drudge through your day, you are still an imperfect human. Show me a perfect man and I will bow down unto him and call him the Son of God. Until then as I tell my children MYOB...MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS. Just may make your life a whole lot easier.

I couldn't disagree with you more. This article is an attempt to excuse his actions because he is one of the best athletes ever. The fact that you think he is sincere in his apology is shocking to me. It wasn't like Tiger slipped once and made a regrettable mistake. 300 text messages, 31 months, voicemail cover-ups, paying for international flights and more "women" coming out of the woodwork. Tiger sincere? Tiger only sincerely regrets getting caught.

Note to Tiger and Wilbon. Public figures must make public confessions.
And this one didn't take long did it? Faster than you can say John Edwards.
Yesterday Wilbon was saying he didnt care about this matter. Today he is still writing about it. His hero is made of clay like all the rest of us.

Well, MW, not all male athletes at the top of their sport are womanizers. How about Tiger's #1 role model? That would be Jack Nicklaus. Never heard anything like this about Jack.

Did you know Tiger owns a lot of expensive cars? Now he has a hole in one.

I can't wait to get Sally Jenkins' take.

No Michael, your column and Chris Rock's statement just don't cut it. Just because these guys can run and throw and hit or whatever better than almost everyone else doesn't mean I shouldn't be indigant about their lack of integrity. And I was not at all surprised with the stand you have taken on the issue. You have become quite predictable.

Tiger's mom must have put a "Whupping" on him to make him confess his "Transgressions" to the public. Anyway, I hope "his" wife will allow Tiger to practice so that he can continue his day job and rent payment...unless that is not part of the "Doghouse" rules. Famous athletes and people should be required to be converted to a Mormon or Muslim so that they can have "Upteen" wives and lovers (pre-wives). Ha, ha, just joking...I think?

Tiger likely did what John F. Kennedy and countless athletes, politicians and entertainers have done for centuries.

Married for image (and some love).
With freaks on the side to do what he didn't want the wife doing.

Worked for JFK, Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, Bill Clinton, MJ.
Why the big deal today about Tiger using the same formula for happiness (for him)?

"Babe Ruth, Joe Louis, Joe DiMaggio, Muhammad Ali, Magic Johnson and Larry Bird, Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Tom Brady and Alex Rodriguez."

Wait, all of those people were unfaithful? Some of them, I knew about. But Bird, Jordan, and Brady? Huh.